Kirk Hammett's Pedalboard
Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett is famous for two things: his wah pedal and his shredding solos. His wah-driven lead tone is instantly recognizable, and his Dunlop signature wah is one of the best-selling pedals of all time.
Signature Sound
High-gain metal rhythm with aggressive, wah-soaked lead tones. Precise, fast alternate picking with melodic phrasing.
Famous Songs
Every Pedal on the Board
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“His signature wah — the standard Cry Baby is the affordable starting point”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Subtle delay on solos for added depth”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Staying in tune with drop-D and standard tuning”
Total Rig Cost (affordable alternatives)
$357
More Famous Pedalboards
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedals does Kirk Hammett use?
Kirk Hammett is known for using Dunlop KH95X Kirk Hammett Wah, Boss DD-3 Delay, Boss TU-3 Tuner, among others. See the full breakdown above with affordable alternatives.
How much does Kirk Hammett's pedalboard cost to recreate?
Recreating Kirk Hammett's rig with affordable alternatives costs around $357. The original pedals — especially vintage or signature models — can cost significantly more.
Can I get Kirk Hammett's tone on a budget?
Yes — each pedal above includes an affordable "Our Pick" alternative that captures the essential character of Kirk Hammett's sound. Focus on the 2-3 most important pedals first.
What amp does Kirk Hammett use?
Kirk Hammett's amp is a crucial part of their tone. While we focus on pedals here, check our signal chain guide for how pedal order affects your amp interaction.